The shooting at the factory reportedly began over conflict between its former owner Ilya Averyanov and current management.

The former owner of a Moscow candy factory who believes the business was unfairly taken from him killed a security guard and injured another three people, Russian authorities said Wednesday.

Local radio station Business FM was able to get in touch with Ilya Averyanov after he allegedly opened fire at the Menshevik factory on Ilovayskaya St. He claimed he was being wronged by a gang that had teamed up with local prosecutors.

“My factory was taken away from me on falsified documents, they ruined me,” he told the new station in a phone call, translated from Russian. “I have eight children. You know I’ve been fighting for four years.”

The shooting reportedly unfolded after the gunman “entered into a verbal conflict” with the factory’s new owner.

An active shooter has left one person dead and three others wounded at the Menshevik confectionary factory in southeastern Moscow.

(Russian Look via ZUMA Wire)

Detectives told local outlets he remains holed up in the building and pushed back against initial reports suggesting a hostage situation.

Averyanov said he showed up to the factory armed for “defense” and vowed to “fight to the end” if he survives.

“I was already surrounded there, the special forces surrounded me. It’s alright,” he told BFM before ending the call.

The factory, which was founded in 1990 and produces a variety of chocolates and sweets popular with children, has recently been facing financial struggle. A bankruptcy case for the Menshevik factory is slated to head to Moscow court next month, according to court filings.